14‑Unit Townhouse
Cohesive Mechanical designed flexible, cost-effective mechanical systems that provide comfort and efficiency in affordable housing built on kʷikʷəƛ̓əm’s ancestral lands.
Kwikwetlem First Nation - 14‑Unit Townhouse
Overview
Cohesive Mechanical supported the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation’s 14-unit housing project built on its ancestral village site. The development features a mix of one-bedroom, den, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom homes. Built on land provided by the Nation and valued at approximately $1.7 million, the project is the first completed under kʷikʷəƛ̓əm’s 2020 Land Code. The Province contributed about $3 million through its Indigenous Housing Fund and provides around $60 k per year in operating funding; the federal government added $825,000.
Key Challenges
Cultural sensitivity – Construction took place on ancestral land, requiring careful coordination and respect for local traditions.
Diverse unit mix – The range of unit sizes required adaptable mechanical layouts.
Coordinated funding – Multiple funding bodies required transparent collaboration and cost-effective design.
Affordability mandate – Systems needed to minimize long-term operating expenses.
Our Solution
Cohesive Mechanical delivered high‑efficiency plumbing and HVAC systems tailored for multiple building types:
Variable-capacity heat pumps for efficient, independent comfort control.
Centralized hot-water generation using condensing boilers and insulated distribution.
Balanced ventilation providing fresh air and humidity control in every suite.
Standardized mechanical cores to streamline installation and future maintenance.
Results
Comfortable homes – High‑efficiency heat pumps provide heating and cooling suited to the coastal climate. Balanced HRV systems maintain good indoor air quality and humidity.
Reduced utility costs – Condensing boilers and well‑insulated plumbing reduce energy consumption, keeping rents affordable within the Province’s targeted range.
Enhanced community connection – By providing new housing on ancestral land, the project encourages members and elders to return to slakəyánc.
Conclusion
The 14‑unit KFN housing project demonstrates how partnership between a First Nation, BC Housing and Canada can produce culturally meaningful, affordable housing. Cohesive Mechanical’s mechanical systems help ensure the homes are comfortable, energy‑efficient and easy to operate, supporting long‑term affordability and community wellbeing.
